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Sleep Apnea, Migraines and Multiple Sclerosis: Is There a Link?

It seems like study after study is published that links two previously unlinked conditions to one another. In this study, the presence of migraines was associated with a 47% increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life. Researchers again point to a genetic wastebasket explanation, with no practical implications. In a previous post, I noted that MS was linked to heart disease. Since we know that Alzheimer's is linked to heart disease, why can't migraines be linked to heart disease or even Alzheimer's? Ultimately, if you connect all the dots of all the associations between various medical conditions, then almost every medical condition can be linked in one way or another.

My sleep-breathing paradigm easily explains the link between migraines and MS via the following mechanism: Migraines are a common symptom of poor quality sleep due to an inability to breathe properly at night. By definition, all modern humans are susceptible to these events, where only the extreme end of the spectrum is called obstructive sleep apnea. If you're not able to sleep deeply, then your entire nervous system is hypersensitive, causing an over-reaction to your senses, leading to symptoms such as headaches, TMJ, sinus pain and pressure.

MS is thought to be an autoimmune condition with flareups of inflammation and "plaques" in any part of the brain that are seen on MRI. Sleep apnea is known to cause not only chronic sympathetic nervous system overload, but also thickening of the blood with patients being prone to either diminished blood flow or small microscopic clots in the brain. Studies have shown that sleep apnea patients have multiple areas of decreased gray matter density in various parts of the brain. This could in theory lead to either "lesions" in the brain, neurotransmitter abnormalities, or hormonal dysfunction.

It makes sense that in people who have sleep-breathing problems long before they go into sleep apnea, their nervous systems are overly active (waking up too quickly), whereas sleep apnea patients' nervous systems are underactive (not waking up quickly enough). Chronic low-grade stress is also known to upregulate your immune system, leading to the classic autoimmune conditions that are often seen in people with upper airway resistance syndrome (cold hands, anxiety, fatigue, etc.).

Rather then reducing human illnesses down to genetic factors or biochemical deficiencies, it makes more sense to treat the patient as a whole person. But with modern medicine, that's not allowed. Yes, there has to be progress in medical research, but as a whole, are we going in the wrong direction? I'd like to know your opinion on this issue. Please enter your opinion in the comments box below.

Sorry, but this article is rambling and incoherent. A little more science and less illogical speculation would be welcome. The first three paragraphs throw around a bunch of words, but never state a clear idea. By the last two paragraphs you’ve given up entirely.

“It makes sense that ..” in other words, you have no evidence; you’re guessing.

“Rather then reducing … treat the patient as a whole person…that’s not allowed” .. now you’re letting a vague emotional politics drive you, because you’ve given up on facts and evidence. Biochemical deficiencies are real. Treating “whole person” is a vague enough formula that it can be taken to mean anything or nothing.

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The Breathe Better, Sleep Better Live Better podcast is aimed at helping you get the sleep you need and the life you want. Hear from leading experts in the field of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) what you can do to overcome these chronic health problems.

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About Dr. Park

Dr. Steven Y. Park is an author and surgeon who helps people who are always sick or tired to once again reclaim their health and energy. For the past 13 years in private practice and 4 years in academia, he has helped thousands of men and women breathe better, sleep better, and live more fulfilling lives.

The material on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not and should not be relied upon or construed as medical, surgical, psychological, or nutritional advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your medical regimen, exercise or diet program. Some links may go to products on Amazon.com, for which Jodev Press is an associate member.